A missing kayaker has been found dead following a massive overnight search in West Galveston Bay, Texas.
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The tragedy unfolded after two brothers launched kayaks into the bay without wearing life jackets.
One of the brothers managed to swim back to shore and alert authorities after the pair ran into trouble on the water, but the other never resurfaced.
Texas Kayaker Death Ends Overnight Search Operation
The local United States Coast Guard confirmed on Monday that crews had been searching for "a missing 37 year old Hispanic male kayaker wearing a black shirt and gray shorts that was reported overdue around 8pm yesterday."
Officials urged anyone with information to come forward as rescue teams searched the bay through the night.
Hours later, authorities issued a heartbreaking update.
They confirmed that crews had recovered the missing man's body after locating his kayak near Alligator Point in West Bay.
"Coast Guard crews have stopped searching after having covered 445 square nautical miles and 14 total hours of operations," the update read.
Authorities later transferred the victim's body to the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office.
Officials have not yet publicly identified the victim.
Authorities Urge Life Jacket Safety After Tragic Incident
The search began on Sunday evening after the brothers' kayaks capsized in the water.
According to ABC 13, one brother managed to fight his way back to shore before notifying authorities that the other remained missing after failing to resurface.
Following the tragedy, officials renewed warnings about water safety and strongly urged the public to wear "a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on the water."
Authorities added that many boating deaths across Texas involve people who were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
They described the case as a "sad reminder" of the importance of following safety measures before heading onto the water.
According to the Texas State Historical Association, West Galveston Bay ranks as the largest estuary along the Texas coast and the seventh largest in the United States.
The bay stretches across roughly 600 square miles and typically reaches depths between seven and nine feet with a muddy bottom throughout much of the area.
